Ind vs NZ, 2nd Test: India bowled out for 438, lead by 246 runs

Wellington, Feb 15: India were bowled out for 438, ending their first innings with a 246-run lead against New Zealand in the second and final Test at the Basin Reserve here Saturday.

Ajinkya (118) scored his maiden Test hundred and along with Shikhar Dhawan (98) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (68) put India in complete control of the match.

Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner picked up three wickets each while Jimmy Neesham chipped in with one.

Earlier, opener Shikhar Dhawan (98) fell two runs short of his third hundred but managed to steer India to 201 for five, giving them a nine-run lead at lunch against New Zealand on day two of the second and final Test at the Basin Reserve here Saturday. India, who bowled out the hosts for 192 on the first day, had Virat Kohli (27 batting) and Ajinkya Rahane (22 batting) at the crease. It was an even session all round. India scored 101 runs, with New Zealand taking three wickets.

Ishant Sharma (26), who had picked up six wickets in the Kiwis’ first innings, batted brilliantly to keep the opposition bowlers at bay early in the morning session. It took a one handed catch from wicket-keeper B.J Watling to finally dismiss Ishant.

Watling was again at hand to snap up Dhawan’s edge off the bowling of pacer Tim Southee. Dhawan had looked well on his way to a third Test hundred and his maiden century in New Zealand but lost his concentration during a crucial moment.

Rohit Sharma (0) once again failed to deliver. He fished for a ball well outside the off-stump, managing only to drag it back on to his stumps. His continuous failures will have the dressing room worried and time could be running out for the right-hander.IANS